MASc, and PhD

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Normally the PhD program is not undertaken until the MASc program has been completed. The programs are open only to students who satisfy certain admission requirementsBegin your application at least two weeks prior to the deadlines below to give your referees enough time to submit references on your behalf, and to ensure you have enough time to upload the documents required. ALL required documents must be uploaded by the deadline date. We recommend you upload your documents within two weeks of receiving your Waterloo ID Number so we can begin reviewing your application package.

The degree requirements are detailed elsewhere. In broad terms, the requirements for the PhD degree are a thesis plus the satisfactory completion of three courses, normally chosen from the list of graduate courses. For the MASc degree, the requirements are a thesis plus the satisfactory completion of four courses and a seminar. For the regular MEng program the requirement is satisfactory completion of eight one-term graduate level courses and one communications course. The normal length of time to complete the programs is three to six terms (one to two years) for the full-time Master's degree and six to twelve terms (two to four years) for the full-time PhD degree. The maximum time limit for completion of Master's degree requirements totally on a part-time basis is fifteen terms. The maximum time limit for completion of PhD degree requirements totally on a part-time basis is twenty-one terms for a PhD program from an Honours Bachelor's degree, and eighteen terms for a PhD program from a Master's degree.

For the thesis work, the student is expected to carry out independent study under the general supervision of a professor, who is the supervisor. The topic of the research will fall within the area of expertise of one of the professors in the Department. These generally fall into one of five areas, which are listed under research activities. Admission depends on the student finding a suitable supervisor. We suggest that you apply, upload all materials and then start the process of trying to make contact with faculty members in the research area(s) that you are interested in. You can contact a faculty member to be your prospective supervisor through our official form. There is also an Accelerated BASc-MASc program which is open only to University of Waterloo undergraduate students.

Exceptional MASc applicants may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program from a bachelor’s program. Applicants interested in being considered for a direct-entry PhD should include a statement to that effect in their Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Applicants who will be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program will be contacted by a representative from the Department within two months of the application deadline.

Accelerated Masters Program

The Accelerated Master's Program allows students to accomplish some of the work required for a MASc degree while they are undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo. It is open to students who have consistently achieved excellent records at the end of the 3A term, usually with a minimum average of 80%. The students will take extra courses during their final year of undergraduate studies, and may also accomplish some progress on their thesis. The general principles and structure of this program are described in the program section of the Graduate Studies Calendar web-site. Those students interested in this program are urged to discuss possible programs with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies early in their 3B term.

MASc/PhD (Nanotechnology)

The University of Waterloo offers the first MASc and PhD programs in Nanotechnology of its kind in Canada. The MASc collaborative program provides a strong foundation in the emerging areas of nano-engineering in preparation for the workforce or for further graduate study and research leading to a doctoral degree. For further information, please visit the nanotechnology program page.

For MASc and PhD student fees, please visit the student accounts website

Exceptional MASc applicants may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program from a bachelor’s program. Applicants interested in being considered for a direct-entry PhD should include a statement to that effect in their Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Applicants who will be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program will be contacted by a representative from the Department within two months of the application deadline.

Contact Information

For more information about theMEng program in the department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering please look through our main website.

For answers to specific questions, please feel free to contact us:

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Administrator
E-mail:mme-grad-admissions@uwaterloo.ca